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Krishna Janmashtami celebrates earthly incarnation of Lord Krishna

Mathura_Temple-Mathura-India0002

The temple of Krishna in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, rises above the city. The celebration of the earthly incarnation of Krishna is celebrated on Shravan 8, which falls on Aug. 17, 2014. The celebration reminds devotees to transcend inner demons of greed, hate and violence. (Wikipedia Commons)

The religious story of a deity having an earthly birth occurs in others faiths besides Christianity. On Sunday, Hindus around the world will celebrate the earthly incarnation of Lord Krishna, who is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu, the god of creation in the Hindu Trinity. Dr. Monita Soni, long active in interfaith dialogues in North Alabama, explains the significance of this holy day.

Hindus around the world celebrate the joyous remembrance of the earthly incarnation of Lord Krishna on Aug. 17, 2014. (Courtesy/Monita Soni)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Janmashtami, which falls this year on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, is a Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan.

As I see the moon of Shravan waning this month, my thoughts travel to Jaipur, India, where my grandson is celebrating his birthday. In Jaipur, weeklong festivities in honor of Lord Krishna begin at the famous Govind Dev Ji temple in the City Palace complex. Sweet devotion percolates in the hearts and souls of Krishna devotees all over the world, including here in North Alabama.

The charismatic Krishna is believed by devotees to have been incarnated on Earth between 3200 and 3100 b.c.e. He was born in Mathura, a city about 100 miles from New Delhi in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The baby Krishna was born at midnight to Vasudev and Devki, who were imprisoned by the cruel demon Kamsa. Krishna killed Kamsa and other demons and re-established peace. For devotees, this important "birthday" marks the triumph of good over evil.

As we gather in Huntsville this weekend to celebrate Krishna with devotional singing, rasleela (spiritual dancing), and chanting of the Lord's name, let us resolve to vanquish the inner demons.

Let us transcend the selfish emotions of hate, greed and violence in thought, speech and action. Let us meditate on the sweet presence of baby Krishna and share our joy with everyone.

Radhe Radhe.

Monita Soni

The Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama, just off County Line and Capshaw Roads in Capshaw, welcomes visitors. Services Sunday begin at 8 a.m. Regular pooja (prayers) that include prayers to Lord Krishna begin at 11 a.m.

Special events Sunday for Krishna Janmashtami include Vishesh Puja and Aarti at noon, wiht the Janmashtami Celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until midnight.

Visitors should dress modestly and fairly formally, and be prepared to sit on the floor.

Dr. Monita Soni, a pathologist who practices in Decatur, has been active in Interfaith Mission Service's Interfaith Dialogue on the Road. She can be reached at MonitaKSoni@gmail.com.